Crazy for Caramel Latte: How to Get This Season's Natural-Looking Hair Color

Cinnamon swirl, pumpkin spice, dark mocha—let’s face it, hair colors these days sound more like something you’d hear in a café than a salon. The latest coffee-inspired hue? Caramel latte. With it’s seamless blend of rich brown and buttery blonde, caramel latte hair color is gearing up to be the newest way to order bronde. Learn how to get caramel latte hair color—and how to keep it looking sweet all season long—below!

Like it’s café-inspired counterparts, caramel latte is achieved by using the balayage technique—a French hair color process that requires you (or your hairdresser) to hand paint the color onto the strand away from the root. This gives it that perfectly blended finish and makes for a much more seamless grow out process. Caramel latte hair color is also best served to natural brunettes looking to add a little bit of warmth and dimension to their color. Read on to find out how to get a caramel latte hair color.

How to Get Caramel Latte Hair

To get a caramel latte hair color at home, reach for a box of L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Ombré Touch for Medium to Darkest Brown Hair. The kit comes with an expert touch applicator to allow you to touch-on strands of subtle ombré hair color, giving you layers of light for luminous highlights—and the perfect caramel latte look.

In addition to the Control-Touch FingerTip applicator tool you’ll also receive a highlighting powder, highlighting crème developer, after-color conditioner, professional mixing tray, mixing spatula, instruction guide, and a pair of gloves.

When you’re ready to color your hair, put on your hair coloring gloves (found in your at-home hair color kit), and follow the included instructions to start changing your hair hue. 

Editor’s note: Since this caramel latte hair is meant to be seamless and subtle, know that coloring your naturally brown hair with this coloring kit will give you a very warm result. If you prefer an ashier finish or a more bold, noticeable color, consider going to the salon to get a professional hairdresser customize your caramel latte hair color.

How to Take Care of Caramel Latte Hair

After coloring your hair—whether you choose to go caramel latte, rose blonde, or any color in between—you’ll need to update your hair care routine.

1. Change your shampoo and conditioner

Colored hair requires shampoos and conditioners that have been specifically formulated for color-treated hair. Even if you really love your current hair care system, it could dull your new hair color. Replace your tried-and-true products with the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Repair Defend Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Repair Defend Conditioner. Apply the shampoo to wet hair, then wash out with lukewarm water. Then, load your locks up with the conditioner before rinsing once more. 

2. Use a hair mask on a twice weekly basis

When it comes to color-treated hair, conditioner might not cut it as your sole source of hydration. Once or twice a week, swap the conditioner for a hair mask after shampooing. Try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Remedy Balm.

3. Take precautions when heat styling

We don’t blame you for wanting perfect curls or super straight strands but that doesn’t mean it’s safe to use heat tools all the time—especially after coloring your hair. While it’s true caramel lattes are delish when served hot, your new ‘do will look amazing whether you heat style it or let your mane air dry. If you do decide to blow dry, straighten, or curl your hair after dying, don’t do it every day, and be sure to use a heat protectant when you do. Next time you straighten your hair, try the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Iron Straight Heatspray.

We love hair colors inspired by all things edible. Next, consider marshmallow or cotton candy-inspired hair. Here’s How to Get Marshmallow Hair and How to Get a Sweet Cotton Candy-Inspired Hair Color.